WASHINGTON, Aug. 6 (UPI) -- The U.S. Agency for International Development said Friday it will work with Kraft Foods to strengthen the production of cashew nuts in Guinea.
The agency's alliance with a private company "will strengthen local farmers and small businesses to effectively manage the growing cashew sector, while encouraging sustainable management of natural resources and fostering economic and social development in targeted regions of Guinea," USAID said.
USAID will commit up to $500,000 to the project while Kraft and local partners will fully match that commitment.
Frank Young, USAID's deputy assistant administrator for Africa, said the partnership will be a win-win situation for Guinean farmers, Kraft and the agency. Kraft is one of the largest purchasers of cashew nuts in the world.
